PDL
The week in review
The last week of January was a busy one in the pharmacy sector… Two key reports came out this week with significance for pharmacists. The PSA‘s Medicine Safety: Take Care …
A pinch of high-risk medicines
In its latest communication to members, PDL has advised pharmacists how to handle themselves in “APINCH” – when dealing with high-risk medicines A is for Antimicrobials The first medicine class …
Is this script forged?
PDL has offered advice on whether a prescription could be forged, and what pharmacists should do if they suspect they’ve been handed a fake Scott Ames, principal at Meridian Lawyers, …
Why pharmacists can struggle without documentation
PDL has highlighted the importance of documentation, citing two case scenarios where failing to document could have significant impact In its latest newsletter, PDL highlights that adequate documentation of interaction …
Why therapeutic need matters
PDL has issued a reminder of pharmacists’ obligations when supplying pseudoephedrine, citing recent cases where disciplinary action was taken In one case the pharmacist understood his obligations, but was found …
My experience with an AHPRA notification
A few weeks ago, I received an email which made me think my life would change forever… The email was a notification from AHPRA informing me that a complaint had …
Faxed S8 requests and expired drugs
The Pharmacy Board has published two case summaries to highlight pharmacists’ obligations… including one where S8s were regularly dispensed with no valid script In its latest newsletter, the Board has …
Warning after eye drop death
Health professionals have been advised to exercise extreme caution if considering off-label prescribing and supply of atropine eye drops, following the death of an adult patient The TGA has advised …
Wrong Atropine strength cases reported
PDL has warned pharmacists to pay careful attention when dispensing scripts for Atropine eye drops The organisation has received a number of incident reports featuring prescriptions for Atropine 0.01% eye …
Prednisolone, methadone errors
Liquid doses prescribed in milligrams but dispensed as millilitres can lead to patients being given a dose five times higher than prescribed, says PDL Typically this time of year sees …
Error death exposed ‘critical failure in pharmacy practice’
PDL has highlighted the importance of taking patient concerns and questions seriously, after a dispensing error contributed to a patient’s death In a recent coronial inquest, it was found that …
The importance of saying sorry
PDL has issued guidance on how, and whether, a pharmacist should apologise to an unhappy patient “Sooner or later most pharmacists can expect to be presented with a complaint,” PDL …